Former Tabcorp boss launches action against wagering giant after sudden exit

Former Tabcorp chief Adam Rytenskild is taking the wagering giant to the workplace tribunal five months after he departed following an alleged comment of a sexual nature about a female regulatory official.

Rytenskild agreed to resign from the ASX-listed bookmaker in March after an investigation conducted by an external law firm.

His tenure ended abruptly when allegations emerged about him making an inappropriate comment about a Victorian regulatory figure, suggesting he would perform a sex act on her if he could secure an extension to a lucrative licence in the state.

Rytenskild has now launched proceedings against Tabcorp at the Fair Work Commission, which is scheduled to hear a dispute between the parties in Sydney next week.

His application to the tribunal has been made under unfair dismissal legislation and is “to deal with contraventions involving dismissal”.

In resigning, he was paid out for a six-month notice period, which amounted to $750,000, half his base salary of $1.5 million.

By leaving in such a manner, he forfeited between $5 million and $10 million in unvested shares and options. He has also foregone bonuses that could have doubled his earnings to $3 million a year. Rytenskild is now challenging the terms of his exit.

Rytenskild, who has since been replaced as Tabcorp boss by former AFL chief Gillon McLachlan, did not return calls on Thursday. Tabcorp declined to comment.

The controversial remark was believed to have been made as a joke and not in the official’s presence but when brought to the attention of the Tabcorp board triggered an external investigation and ultimately cost Rytenskild his job.